Information for first-time holiday boaters

On a boat you'll never get bored of looking out of the window, because you can change your view every day.

With over 2,000 miles of our canals and rivers for you to cruise, the sheer choice of holiday routes can seem daunting at first - but it's really just a case of deciding what you want to get out of your jaunt on the water.

Here are some key pieces of advice for your first holiday afloat.

How do I choose where to go on a canal boat holiday?

There are a few factors to consider:

• Location - are you after something rural and quiet, or something more lively and close to towns and cities? If you love visiting attractions and eating out, go for a route that passes through a major city like Birmingham or Liverpool. But if you prefer peaceful surroundings and wildlife spotting there's a huge choice of rural waterways, like the Mon & Brec or Llangollen Canal.
• Duration - how long do you want to go for? And roughly how many hours would you plan to cruise each day?
• Logistics - what kind of route suits you best? Circular routes (also referred to as 'cruising rings') allow you to journey in a loop, however, you may prefer a linear cruise to make note of places to stop at en route home.
• Experience/confidence level - if you're new to boating, you may want to avoid areas with lots of locks. However, if you have energetic children, then locks could help keep them entertained! You're likely to come across our helpful volunteer lock keepers in popular locations, who will be happy to help.

You can then look up a hire boat company in the vicinity of your preferred destination, who will also be able to provide more information on nearby routes.

Alternatively, if you really don't know where to go, you could contact a hire company right from the off and get their suggestions based around your wants and needs.

How far can I travel on a canal in one day?

During the summer months, when the days are longer and the weather is (usually) better, you can expect to cruise for anywhere between four and seven hours a day.

Travelling at 3-4mph daily will mean you cover around 80 to 100 miles in a week. This will still provide plenty of time for lazy lunches and/or energetic exploring.

You should also make sure you allow extra time in your schedule to go through locks. It will take you at least 15 minutes to get through each one and there might be a queue of boats at peak times.

Some boat hire companies may have t&cs around cruising in the dark, so it's best to check the small print when proceeding with a booking.

Do I need a licence to drive a narrowboat, and is it difficult?

You don't need a specific licence or permit to drive a holiday boat, and once you know the basics, cruising is pretty straightforward.

Your hire boat company will give you a detailed explanation, including important safety information, when you arrive. However, you can get ahead of the game and learn some of the basics in the article below.

How much will it cost?

The price of a canal holiday can vary widely and depends on a number of factors:

• how many people are in your group
• what time of year you're going (as with most holidays, prices are often higher during peak times like summer and Christmas)
• the length of your break
• the type of boat you choose

Hire companies will be able to provide quotes for your desired booking. When contacting them, it's also worth asking about:

• any free parking at their base for the duration of your holiday
• whether fuel is included in your quote
• if there are any extra costs, such as a damage waiver